Automatic mold casting machine



June 23, 1959 A. J. SUKAVA AUTOMATIC.' MOLD CASTING MACHINE Filed Novt l2, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 (QOJ INVENTUR ARMAS SUKAVA Juney 23, 1959 A. J, SUKAVA 142,891,292-

AUTOMATIC MOLD CASTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 12, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 4o A l o o o 135,-; 0 42 @154 o O TO LON VOLTAGE SOURCE TO ELECTRIC PONER SOURCE /Nvflvmk AILMAs .1. sUKAvA June 23, 1959 A. J. SUKAVA AUTOMATIC MOLD CASTING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed NOV. l2? 1957 IIB Cim-E3@ c o OOO) INVIA/TOR J. SUKAVA ARMAS HTTOR/VEY f June 23, 1959 A. J. sUKAvA 2,891,292 AUTOMATIC MOLD CASTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 12, 1957 5 sheets-sheet 4 To Low To ELECTRIC VOLTAGE PowER SOURCE SOURCE /NVE/VTDR' ARMAS A J. SUKAVA TTORIVEYJ June 23, 1959 A. J SUKAVA 2,891,292

AUTOMATIC MOLD CASTING MACHINE Filed NOV. l2, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 (|83 LEI/|39 *Ik |42 ,8-, |9o\ |84 '8" I To Low VOLTAGE sounos |93 iL-wso I I g TO ELECTRIC PowEn souRcE /NvEA/'f'vk ARMAS J. SUKAVA i l ay M4- TTORNV 2,891,292 Patented June 23, 1959 United States PatentOiitice 2,891,292 AUTOMATIC MOLD CASTING MACHINE Armas J. Sukava, London, Ontario, Canada Application November 12, 1957, Serial No. 695,783 19 claims. (Cl. 22-79) This invention relates to improvements in automatic mold casting machines.

This machine is designed particularly for automatically pouring molten metal into molds without stopping the mol-ds or moving the pouring equipment, but -it may be used for pouring any other molten material.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a casting machine including means for -automatically shutting off the ow of molten material in the event of electric power or mechanical failure in the control apparatus or the mold-moving mechanism.

Another object is ythe provision of automatic casting machines of the utmost simplicity.

Casting machines according to the present invention include means for pouring molten metal or other material into molds as the latter are moved along a predetermined course. Each machine has a valve for controlling the flow` of metal, and it includes means for opening the valve as closing it when the mold moves out of this position. The invention 4contemplates the use of electrical or mechanical means for starting the molten material to flow each time a mold moves into the pouring position. Electrical and/or mechanical means are provided for lstopping the flow when the level of the material in the mold reaches a predetermined point. The tlow valve cannot be opened unless a mold is positioned beneath it. Furthermore, the i'low valve is closed before or when the molten material reaches a predetermined level in the mold even if the electrical power is interrupted, or if the mold moving mechanism fails.

Examples of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which,

each mold moves into a pouring position, and

` either of which may be driven by Figure 1 is a side yelevation of a simple form of casting machine incorporating this invention, showing a mold moving into position beneath the flow valve,

Figure 2 is a fragmentary View similar to Figure l showing the mold in pouring position and beginning to move out of the latter,

Figure 3 is a Figure l,

`Figure 4 is a fragmentary View similar to` Figure 1, illustrating a-n alternative form of casting machine, with a mold moving into the pouring position,

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 .showing the mold in the pouring position,

Figure 6 is a wiring diagram for the machine of Figures 1 Ito 3,

Figure 7 is a side elevation of another form of casting machine,

Figure 8 is a plan view of the machine of Figure 7,

Figure 9 is a section taken on the line 9 9 of Figure 7,

Figure 10 is a section taken on the line 10-10 of Figure 7,

Figure 11 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 11.-11 of Figure 8, showing elements of the apparatus in their'positions when the ilow valve is closed,

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11 illustrating the plan View of the apparatus shown in `see Figure 3.

2 same elements in their positions when the flow vlalve is 013311:' v

Figure 13 is a wiring diagram for the machine of Figure 7, 1

Figure 14 is a fragmentary elevation of still another form of casting machine, and

Figure 15 is a wiring diagram for the machine of Figure 14.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, 10 is one form of automatic mold casting machine according to the present invention. Molten metal may be supplied to the machine in any convenient manner. For example, the molten metal may be poured into a pot 12, which if desired, may have a heating jacket 13 enclosing it. Alternatively, the metal may be melted in this pot and made ready for use. This pot has an outlet at the bottom `thereof controlled by a ow valve 15 which may be link `extends through slots 31 in the bifurcated arm end The arrangement of these parts is such that when solenoid 20 is energized, core 26 is drawn into it to swing arm 16 to open valve 15. Suitable spring means is provided for normally retainingthe valve closed. For this purpose, a pair of springs 34 are connected at 35 to link 28, and at their opposite ends 36 to a standard 37 mounted on and projecting upwardly from base 23. These springs normally swing arm 16 to close valve 15.

A plurality of molds 40 are continuously moved beneath the ldischarge end of flow valve 15 `in any convenient manner. These molds may be mounted on spaced endless chains 42 extending around spaced sprockets43 and 44, a suitable source of power.` It is preferable to use an electric motor 46 las a source of power. The molds are moved along a path or track 48 extending beneath the How valve 1S.

The opening and closing of the flow valve is controlled by switch means 52 mounted above of the molds 40, adjacent -valve 15. Thisswitch means includes an insulated block 53 mounted on a support 54 projects upwa-rdly and p may be formed of flexible material for this purpose, or it:

may be formed of rigid material havinga hinge at its upper end. The main thing is that the finger is engaged by each mold as it is moved beneath the flow valve, and

when the mold is in the proper pouring position, the finger projects downwardly into the latter, see Figure 2.

`Contact finger 55 is electrically connected to `solenoid 20 in such la manner that when the fnger is in engagement with a mold or is touched by the molten metal in a mold, the ysolenoid is de-energized to allow springs 34 to close the valve. An example of such an electrical` connection is illustrated in Figure 6. A relay switch 53 is located in the circuit 59 of solenoid 20. The solenoid of switch 58 is connected by a wire 60 to contact 55, and when the latter engages "a mold 40 the switch solenoid is grounded. Another wire 61 con-` the path of movement or the mol-ten metal in the mold,

nects the solenoid to a l'ow voltage source of electrical power, said source also being grounded.

The operation of casting machine is relatively simple. Springs 34 normallyretain flow valve 15 in its closed position. As a mold moves beneath the valve, contact iinger 55 engages the mold'to keep :solenoid 20 de energized, 'since the lsolenoid of switch 58 is grounded "so that the latter switch is open lat this time. As soon as the finger clears the edge of the mold swings into the latter, relay .switch 58 closes, energizing solenoid 20, which action draws core 2'6 thereinto. This moves valve arm 16 against the tension of springs 34 to open'the valve and allow the molten metal to flow into the mold.` When the level of the molten met-al reaches the contact finger, or the bia'ck end of the mold engages said finger, relay switch 58 lopens to `de-energize solenoid 20, thereby aliowing springs 34 to cloves valve 15. It will be noted that the contact finger is a little ahead of the flow valve withy reference to the direction of movement of the mold. With this arrangement, the contact finger is bound to engage the back end of -the mold before said mold moves from beneath the valve so that there is no danger of molten metal flowing without fa mold being in position to receive it. Furthermore, the linger is made long enough to remain in Contact with the front end of the mold until sufficient of the latter is under the valve to receive the molten metal when ysaid metal starts `to pour.

If the electrical power fails so that motor 46 stops, the

`solenoid is also `cle-energized and springs 34 close the.

valve. Each of these springs is sufficiently strong that if one of them breaks, the other is still able to close the valve on its ow-n. In the case of the mold-moving mechanism stopping through mechanical failure, or through 'a defect in motor 46, the metal would continue to pour only until it reaches contact 55, at which time solenoid 20 is de-energized, allowing the springs to close the valve. If, at such failure, the contact finger is in engagement with a mold, it will remain there so that the valve will not open.

As it is necessary to ensure rthat the contact finger remains grounded during the interval between molds, this may be accomplished in a very simple manner by placing lthe molds so close together that the finger merely snaps from the trailing edge of one to the leading Iedge of the next following mold, `as shown.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a slight variation in the control means for casting machine 10.` ln this example, switch means 65 is substituted for switch means 52 of Figure 1. Switch means 65 includes an insulated block 67 mounted on the upper end of standard 54 opposite pouring valve 15. A pair of contact fingers 69 and 70 4 Y The opposite end 87 of link 82 is connected by a valveclosing spring 89 to a standard 90 mounted on and projecting upwardly from a suitable base 91. This spring normally keeps arm 79 in the valve-closed position.

Solenoid 85 is mounted on the bent end 94 of a supporting arm 95, said arm slidably extending through a vertical standard 96 mounted on and extending upwardly from base 91. A bell crank 99 is pivotal-ly mounted at i' 100 on a bracket 101 carried by the base, said bell crank are mounted on and project downwardly from block 67.

These fingers are arranged so that finger 70 projects substantially straight down from the block, whereas finger 69 is inclined forwardly from the first-mentioned finger, see Figure 5. With this arrangement, one or both of the contact fingers engages each mold as it is moved beneath the ow valve. As the mold progresses, the fingers swing downwardly into a position 'shown inl Figure 5. The main purpose of this particular arrangement is to allow the valve and the point of juncture of the contact fingers with theii support to be placed in the 'same plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the molds, if so desired. While finger 70 points downwardly over the molten metal, finger Y69 engages the back edge of the mold to make it impossible for the valve to remain open as the back edge of the mold moves therebeneath.

The wiring arrangement of Figure 6 may also be used with the machine of Figures 4 and 5.

Figures 7 to 12 illustrate an alternative form of automatic mold casting machine 75. This machine includes a pot 77 having a flow valve 78 at the bottom thereof controlled by means of an arm 79. This arm is opera-bly connected to a link or bar 82 having one end 83 connected to the core 84 of a solenoid 85, said solenoid being movably mounted in a manner hereinafter explained.

having an upwardly-extending arm 104 and a substantially horizontally-eXtending lower arm 105. Supporting arm is pivotally connected at 107 to arm 104 near the top thereof. A connecting link is connected at one end at 111 to the upper end of bell crank arm 104, and at its opposite end at 1l2 to the upper end of another arm 113, said arm being pivotally mounted at 114 to a standard 115 mounted on and projecting upwardly from base 91. A solenoid-moving spring 118 connects arm 113 to a standard 119 supported by and projecting upwardly from base 91. This spring tends to draw the upper end of this arm and, consequently, the upper end of bell crank arm 104 to the right as viewed in Figures 7 and 8. v

molds 40 of machine 10 are moved beneath the -floW` valve of the latter. It is preferable to use an electric motor 127 for moving the molds.

Suitable means is provided for raising the lower arm 105 of bell crank 99 as each mold moves into position beneath the ow valve. For this purpose, each mold may have a pin 130 projecting laterally therefrom so that it moves beneath the outer end 132 of the crank arm. This arm actually normally extends downwardly a little relative to the horizontal and is in the path of movement of these pins. Each pin as it moves beneath the arm end lifts said end to rock the bell crank around its pivot 100. This action moves supporting arm 95 and solenoid 85 outwardly to swing valve arm 79 to open the flow valve 78 against the tension of spring 89. As the solenoid 85 is normally energized, its core 84 moves with it.

The outer end 132 of the lower crank arm 105 is so located that it is not engaged by the pin of a mold until the forward or leading edge of the latter has 'movedpast the ow Valve so that when the latter is opened, the molten metal will pour into the mold. The pin keeps 'the arm in the elevated position until the back end of the mold approaches the valve, at which time the pin clears the arm to allow it to drop under the combined action of 'springs 89 and 118, thereby allowing the flow valveto be closed.

It is desirable to provide means for preventing the level of the molten metal in each mold from rising beyond a predetermined point. For this purpose, a substantially horizontal arm 138 is iixedly connected to vertical `arm 113 at the vpivot thereof, said arm 138 carrying switch l means 139 at its outer end. ln this example, the switch means consists of an insulated block 141 having a contact finger 142 projecting downwardly therefrom. This vfinger is preferably iiexible or hingedly mounted so that it can swing laterally with respect to its supporting block. When the valve is closed, contact linger 1'42` is abovethe path of travel of the molds, see Figure 7. However,

finger may be made adjustable vertically on 4its 'supportv-` ing block 141in order that the maximum level of the assunse molten metal may be changed as desired, within the limits of the size of the mold.

Figure 13 is a wiring diagram illustrating one way of electrically connecting contact finger 142 to moving solenoid 85. A relay switch 150 is located in the electric circuit 151 of solenoid 85. The relay of the switch is connected by a wire 153 to the contact nger 142, and by another wire 154 to a low voltage source. The molds and the low voltage source are connected in any suitable manner, such as by grounding each.

Casting machine 75 operates as follows:

Molds 125 are continuously moved along the path beneath flow valve 78. As each mold begins to move beneath the valve, its pin 130 raises the lower arm 105 of bell crank 99 to move energized solenoid 85, thereby opening valve 78 through link 82 and valve arm 79 against the tension of spring 89. At the same time, contact linger 142 is lowered into the mold against the tension of spring 118. The molten metal now pours into the moving mold. The contact linger may be so positioned that the molten metal reaches it before the back end of the mold arrives beneath the valve spout. In this case, switch 150 is opened to de-energize solenoid 85 to allow spring 89 to close the valve. On the other hand, the contact nger may be used only as a safety feature. In this case, the metal does not normally reach it before bell crank arm 105 drops ol the mold pin 130 to allow spring 89 to close the valve and spring 118 to lift the linger out of the mold. Actually, the valve is closed by both of these springs so that if one breaks, the other still can close the valve. If the electric power fails, solenoid 85 is deenergized to allow the valve to be closed by spring 89. In the event of the mold moving means failing while the liow valve is open, solenoid 85 is de-energized to close the valve when the metal reaches the contact nger. If the contact linger is normally relied upon to stop the flow of metal, and if solenoid 85 should fail to de-energize, or if core 84 sticks in the solenoid, the valve is closed when the mold pin clears the lower arm of the bell crank, at which time spring 118 moves the solenoid to permit spring 89 to close the valve. If spring 118 should break while the valve is held open by the bell crank, the valve would be closed by spring 89 as soon as the contact linger touches either the molten metal or the mold itself. In this case, the finger might remain in its lowered position as the mold moves away, but no damage would result due to Contact between the nger and the moving mold since the finger is flexible or hingedly mounted.

Figure 14 illustrates an alternative form of control means for casting machine 75. Bell crank 99, supporting arm 95 and solenoid 85 are omitted.

In place of the bell crank, there is an electric switch 160 mounted above mold pins 130 near iiow valve 78. This switch has an operating arm 161 extending downwardly therefrom in the path of the mold pin. The switch is normally open, but when its arm 161 is moved out of its normal position by a mold pin, the switch is closed and remains closed until the arm returns to its normal position.

A stationary solenoid 165 is mounted at one end on a standard 166 supported by and extending upwardly from base 91. This solenoid has a core 168 movably mounted therein and projecting from one end thereof. A moving solenoid 170 is connected to the outer end of this core, and has a core 171 which is yconnected at 172 to link or bar 82 which, as previously described, is connected to the arm 79 of flow valve 78, and to closing spring 89. Solenoid 170 is normally energized, and it is connected by a link 175 to the upper end of arm 113 so that movement of this solenoid raises and lowers contact finger 142.

Figure is a wiring diagram for the solenoids, switch 160, and contact finger 142. The relay switch 180 is locatedin the circuit 181 of moving solenoid 170, and the solenoid of this switch `is connected by a wire 183 to linl ger 142, and by another wire 184 to a suitable low volt age source. Molds and this source are grounded. Switch 160 is connected in series with the stationary solenoid 165 in the circuit 187 thereof. If desired, a governor-controlled switch 190 may be connected in series with switch 160 and solenoid 165. The governor-controlled switch is operated by a part of the mechanism for moving molds 125. In this example, this switch has a sprocket 192 over which a chain 193 of the mold moving conveyor runs. When the conveyor is in operation, switch 190 is closed, whereas this switch opens when the conveyor and molds stop moving.

, The control mechanism for machine 75 illustrated in Figures 14 and l5 operates as follows:

As previously stated, moving solenoid 170 is normally energized, while stationary solenoid 165 is normally deenergized. As a mold starts to Imove beneath the llw valve 78, the pin thereof engages arm 161 of switch to close the latter. This energizes solenoid 165, provided switch 198 is closed by the moving of the mold mechanism. The solenoid draws its core 168 into it to move solenoid 170 in the same direction, and this action opens the valve through link 82 and valve arm 79 against the `tension of spring 89. This movement of the solenoid also moves contact linger 142 down into the mold. Here again, the contact linger may be a safety feature, or it may be positioned so that it is always contacted by the metal when it reaches a predetermined level in the mold. In this case, lsolenoid 170 is de-energized to allow spring 89 to close the valve. On the other hand, if the contact finger is not adjusted to touch the molten metal, solenoid is de-energized when the mold pin clears switch arm 161 to allow switch 160 to open. The combined action of springs 89 and 118 will then close the valve, move solenoid to its normal position, and lift. linger 142 out of the mold.

If the electric power fails While the flow valve is open, solenoid 170 is de-energized, thereby allowing spring 89 to close the valve. If the mold-moving mechanism stops for any reason, switch opens to de-energize solenoid 165 yso that the action of both springs will close the valve and raise the linger out of the mold. If the moving solenoid does not de-energize or its core sticks in it, both springs close the valve when solenoid 165 is de-energized. by the operation of switch 160, as a mold pin clears the arm 161 thereof. If spring 89 breaks, spring 118 closes the valve when solenoid 165 is de-energized. On the other hand, if the latter spring breaks, spring 89 closes the valve when the level of the molten metal in the mold reaches finger 142. In this event, as before, since the iinger might not rise out of the moving mold, no damage will result since the linger is` flexible or hingedly mounted. In the event of failure of solenoid 165, or .sticking of its core 168, spring 89 closes the valve when the level of the metal reaches the contact linger to de-energize solenoid In this case too the liexible or hinged linger remains without harm in the lowered position. Also, in this case, provided the molds are closely spaced as in the apparatus of Figure 1, contact between the finger and the molds will prevent the valve from being opened until the next succeeding mold is in the pouring position.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In an automatic mold casting machine having means for directing molten material to a iiow valve and means for moving molds along a path ybeneath the valve; operating means for the lvalve comprising a solenoid having a movable core therein connected to the valve, spring means connected to the valve and opposed to the solenoid for closing the valve, electrical means connected to the solenoid for energizing the latter, said solenoid when energized retaining the valve open against the spring means, a contact finger mounted to extend into each mold when the latter is positioned beneath the valve, said finger being spaced above the mold bottom, and electric means connecting the linger to the solenoid for de-energizing said solenoid while vthe valve is open and the molten material inthe mold reaches the contact linger to permit the spring means vto close the valve4 2. *In an automatic mold casting machine having means for directing molten material to a flow valve and means for moving molds along a path beneath the valve; operating means for the valve comprising a solenoid having a movable icore therein connected to the Valve, spring means connected to the valve and opposed to the solenoid for closing the valve, electrical means connected to the solenoid for energizing the latter, said solenoid when energized retaining the valve open against the spring means, a substantially vertical contact linger mounted at its upper end above the mold path and moving into each mold as said mold moves beneath the valve, the lower end of said linger being spaced above the mold ybottom when in the mold, and electric means connecting the nger to the solenoid for tie-energizing said solenoid while the valve is open and the molten material in the mold reaches the contact finger to permit the spring means to close the valve.

3. lIn an automatic mold casting machine having means for directing molten material to a flow valve and means for moving molds along a path beneath the valve; operating means for the valve comprising a solenoid having a movable core therein connected to the valve, spring means Y connected to the valve and opposed to the solenoid for closing the valve, electrical means connected to the solenoid for energizing the latter, said solenoid when energized retaining the valve open against the spring means, a contact linger mounted to extend into each mold when the latter is positioned beneath the valve, said linger being spaced above the mold bottom, and electric circuit means including a relay and connecting the linger to the solenoid, said circuit means operating to de-energize the solenoidwhen the molten material in the mold reaches the contact linger, the spring means closing the valve when the solenoid is deenergized.

4. ln an automatic mold casting machine having means for directing molten material to a flow valve and means for moving molds along a path beneath the valve; operating means for the valve comprising a solenoid having a movable core therein connected to the valve, spring means connected to the valve and opposed to the solenoid for closing the valve, electrical means connected to the solenoid for energizing the latter, said solenoid when energized retaining the valve open against the spring means, a substantially vertical contact linger mounted at its upper end above the mold path .fand moving into each mold as sai'd mold moves beneath the valve, the lower end of said linger being spaced above the mold bottom when in the mold, and electric circuit means including a relay and connecting the linger to the solenoid, said circuit means operating to de-energize the solenoid when' the molten material in the mold reaches the contact linger, the spring means closing the valve when the solenoid is de-energized.

5. in an automatic mo'l'd casting machine having means for `directing molten material to a iiow valve and means for moving molds 'along a path beneath the valve; operating means tor the valve 'comprising a solenoid having a movable core therein connected tothe valve, spring means connected to the valve and 'opposed to the solenoid for closing the valve, electrical means `connected to the solenoid ior energizing the latter, said solenoid when energized lopening the valve against the spring means, 'a Vcontact linger mounted to extend into each mold when the latter is positioned beneath the valve, said linger being spaced above the mold bottom, and electric means co'nne'cting the finger to the solenoid for tie-energizing said solenoid while the valve is open andthe molten Vmaterial in the mold reaches' the contact linger to permit the spring means to close the valve.

6. In an 'automatic mold casting machine having means for Adirecting molten material to a llow valve and means for vmoving molds along a path beneath the valve; voperats ing means for the valve comprising a solenoid having a? movable core therein connected to the valve, spring means connected to the valve and opposed to the solenoid for closing the valve, electrical means connected to the solenoid for energizing the latter, said solenoid when energized opening the valve against the spring means, a swingw ablerc'ontact linger mounted above the mold path and eX-V tending into said path, said linger engaging each mold.

. as the latter is moved into and out of a lling position,

beneath the valve and swinging to a position in the mold spaced above the bottom thereof when said mold is in the illing position, and electric means connecting the finger to the solenoid, said electric means operating to de-enerf gize the solenoid when the contact linger touches the.

mold orV the molten material in said mold, the `spring means closing the valve when the solenoid is de-energized.

7. vOperating means for a flow valve in an automatic mold casting machine as claimed in claim 6 in which the contact linger is ahead of the valve relative to the direction of movement of the molds so that the mold is ready to receive the molten material when the linger disengages said mold and swings into it after rst touching it, said linger being long enough to remain in contact with the mold until 'the latter is in position beneath the valve to receive material pouring therefrom.

8. Operating means for a flow valve in an automatic mold casting machine as claimed in claim 6 in which the contact linger normally hangs in a substantially vertical plane, and including a second swingable contact finger mounted .near the lirst linger, said second linger being normally inclined in the direction from which the moldsare moved beneath the valve, and said electric means'being connected to the second linger as well as the first linger.

9. ln anV automatic mold casting machine having means for directing molten material to a liow valve and means for moving molds along a path beneath the valve; operating means for the valve comprising a solenoid having a Y movable core therein connected to the valve, spring means connected to the valve and opposed to the solenoid for closing the valve, electrical means connected to the solenoid normally engaging the latter, means connected to the solenoid operable to move it with its core to open the valve against the Spring means, means for operating the moving means when each mold moves to and away from a filling position beneath the valve respectively to open said valve and to allow the spring means to close it,

a contact linger mounted to extend into each moldwhen the latter is positioned beneath the valve, said nger being spaced above the mold bottom, and electric means connecting the linger to the solenoid for de-energizing said solenoid when the molten material in the mold reaches the contact linger to permit the spring means to close the valve.

10. Operating means for a liow valve in an automatic mold casting machine as claimed in claim 9 in which the contaotlinger is mounted on a movable support normally retaining said linger above the mold path, and including means connecting the movable support to the solenoid, said connecting means being such that when the ksolenoid is moved to open the valve the support moves the contact finger into a mold beneath the valve, and spring means connected to the support for moving the solenoid and'said support to raise the finger out of the mold when the Valve is closed by the lirst-mentioned-spring means.

ll. Operating means fora liow valve in an automatic mol-d casting machine as claimed in claim l0 in which the contact linger is swingably on its support.

l2. Operating means for a liow valve in an automatic mold cast-ing machine as claimed in claim 9 in which the means connected to the solenoid for moving the latter comprises a stationary solenoid having a movable core therein connected' to the lirst solenoid, and switchmeans -in circuit with the stationary solenoid and located adjacent the molds where they move'beneath the liow valve, said switch means being operated from a normal position by each mold moving into position beneath the valve to cause the stationary solenoid to be energized to move the rst solenoid and open the valve, said switch means returning to the normal position as the mold moves from beneath the valve to permit the spring means to close the valve,

13. Operating means for a flow valve in an automatic mold casting machine as claimed in claim 12 including additional switch means in the circuit of the first switch means and the stationary solenoid, said additional switch means being connected to the mold moving means and keeping the circuit closed while the latter means is moving, said additional switch means breaking the circuit when the mold moving means stops to cle-energize the stationary solenoid.

14. Operating means for a ow valve in an automatic mold casting machine as claimed in claim 12 including a movable support for the contact nger normally retaining the latter above the mold path, means connecting the movable support to the first solenoid, said connecting means being such that when the first solenoid is moved to open the valve the support moves the contact inger into a mold beneath the valve, and spring means connected to the support for moving the first solenoid and said support to raise the finger out of the mold when the valve is closed by the first-mentioned spring means.

15. Operating means for a ow valve in an automatic mold casting machine as claimed in claim 14 in which the contact nger is swingable relative to its support.

16. Operating means for a flow valve in an automatic mold casting machine as claimed in claim 9 in which the means connected to the solenoid for moving the latter comprises a bell crank pivotally mounted near the mold path, said crank having substantially vertical and horizontal arms extending from the pivot thereof, a connector securing the vertical arm to the solenoid, and means on each mold for engaging the horizontal arm as said mold moves into position beneath the ow valve to swing the crank around its pivot to move the solenoid and open the valve, said means on each mold releasing the horizontal arm as the mold moves away from the valve to permit the spring means to close the valve.

17. Operating means for a ow valve in an automatic mold casting machine as claimed in claim 16 including additional spring means connected to the vertical crank arm to move the solenoid to the position it was in before the valve was opened when the means on a mold releases the horizontal crank arm.

18. Operating means for a flow valve in an automatic mold casting machine as claimed in claim 16 including a movable support for the contact nger, said support normally retaining the finger above the mold path and being movable to lowersaid linger into a mold, means connecting the movable support to the solenoid, said connecting means being such that when the solenoid is moved to open the valve the support moves the contact finger into a mold beneath the Valve, and spring means connected to the support for moving the solenoid and said support to raise the linger out of the mold when the Valve is closed by the Erst-mentioned spring means.

19. Operating means for a flow valve in an automatic mold casting machine as claimed in claim 18 in which the contact finger is swingable on its support.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,763,904 Sukava Sept. 25, 1956 

